Navy seizes an Indian fishing boat poaching in Mannar seas

During an operation conducted in the dark hours of 22 Feb 26, the Sri Lanka Navy seized 01 Indian fishing boat and apprehended 12 Indian fishermen while they were poaching in Sri Lankan waters, in the sea area south of Mannar.

The North Central Naval Command spotted a group of Indian fishing boats engaging in illegal fishing, trespassing into Sri Lankan waters. In response, naval craft of the North Central Naval Command were deployed to drive away those Indian fishing boats from island waters off Mannar. Meanwhile, a compliant boarding made by naval personnel resulted in the seizure of 01 Indian fishing boat and apprehension of 12 Indian fishermen who continued to engage in illegal fishing in Sri Lankan waters.

The seized boat (01) and Indian fishermen (12) were handed over to the Fisheries Inspector of Dikovita for onward legal proceedings.